Hygiene for Every Body: Understanding Bidet Weight Limits, Comfort and Safety
Written By Meghan Oliver and Hannah Ramsey | Created September 17, 2020 | Updated January 14, 2025
Everyone deserves to feel comfortable, clean and confident after using the bathroom. There are lots of bidet benefits that boost health and hygiene no matter your shape or size, but you’ll want to keep some things in mind when selecting the right bidet for larger bodies. Let’s explore everything you need to know to enjoy an inclusive bidet experience.
Are bidets good for bigger bodies?
In a word: absolutely! Using a bidet will get anyone cleaner than toilet paper, but they can be especially helpful if you have a fuller figure that makes wiping a chore. Regardless of size, proportions or mobility, bidets make sure no bacteria or residue is left behind, saving you from itching and irritation and even reducing the risk of infections.
Do I need to worry about bidet weight limits?
This is definitely something to consider, but there’s no need to worry! Most bidets are rated to support between 300 and 350 pounds, but there are lots of options rated for more than 350 pounds. (Our collection of bariatric bidets is a great place to start.) And while you might not see it in the manual, bidet toilet seat weight limits can reach or exceed 500 pounds in independent testing. Our bidet experts can give you all the behind-the-scenes details – call, email or chat with us to get the inside scoop!
Beyond the advertised weight limit, bidet seats made from polypropylene plastic (instead of ABS plastic) tend to be less brittle and less prone to cracking over time. Some of these seats even have lids that can safely handle the same amount of weight (known in bidet speak as “sittable lids”). This feature can be super helpful if you like to use your toilet as a convenient seat for clipping toenails or getting dressed. Plus, polypropylene seats are generally higher-end overall, with better customer service and warranty coverage to safeguard your investment.
Bidet seats work with your current bathroom setup, but if your toilet isn’t comfortable for your body, there are also integrated bidet toilets with higher weight limits. These replace your existing toilet with an all-in-one unit that has built-in bidet functionality. Their weight limits apply to both the seat and the toilet itself, so you won’t find yourself Googling “how many pounds can a toilet hold?” – you’re supported. Bidet toilets come with a higher price tag than bidet seats and require some renovation work, but they’re often incredibly comfortable and elevate your bathroom’s overall aesthetic.
Are there any must-have features?
Everyone’s needs are unique, but generally speaking, some features can make it easier for larger individuals to use a bidet.
Broad, spacious seats: Not all bidet seats are equally comfortable. Some have a roomy seat design that makes them much more comfortable than those with smaller seats. For the best experience, choose a seat designed with user comfort in mind.
Wireless remote controls: Some bidets (especially non-electric versions) have the controls on the side of the seat. These might dig into your skin or be difficult to access when you’re sitting on the toilet. You’ll also have to twist and reach to get to the controls, which can be uncomfortable or challenging. Bidets with remotes give you the option to hold the remote in your hands or mount it to a wall or vanity at a height that’s comfortable for you.
Warm air dryers: It’s important to dry off after using a bidet. Patting dry is always an option, but bidets with warm air dryers get you dry without any reaching or wiping. Plus, with adjustable heat levels, they’re just more pleasant to use!
Adjustable nozzle position and oscillation: Bidets with adjustable nozzle positions bring the spray to you so you always hit the right spot. Nozzle oscillation moves the wash wand back and forth to cover more surface area for a more complete – and relaxing – clean.
Which bidets are best for larger bodies?
There are several options available that are safe for fuller-figured users, but our recommendations have a lot more going for them than just high bidet weight limits. Our top picks are designed to support more weight than the average bidet, come with wireless remotes and offer comfortable heated seats and customizable wash and dry features.
Eco NOVA Bidet Seat
The Eco NOVA is made of durable polypropylene plastic, and the internal components are efficiently arranged inside the shell, making it one of the sturdiest and sleekest seats on the market. Both the seat and lid can support up to 400 pounds, a rare find in the bidet world. And the top-notch quality doesn’t stop there: The Eco NOVA’s 3-in-1 nozzle is crafted from stainless steel, making it easy to clean and resistant to corrosion and cracking. It’s no wonder the Eco NOVA tops our list of Best Bidet Seats!
In addition to its chic look and quality construction, the Eco NOVA comes with lots of desirable bidet features:
- Standard front and rear wash modes can be enhanced with nozzle oscillation or hot/cold massage. Oscillation moves the wand forwards and backwards to increase wash coverage, while the massage feature quickly varies the water temperature between warm and cold to refresh tender areas.
- The wash and dry settings settings are fully adjustable. You can choose the water temperature, water pressure and nozzle position that clean your body best. The pressure options range from relatively soft to relatively firm, so there’s the right setting for just about everyone. The strong and efficient air dryer gets you comfortably dry with three temperature levels.
- It offers extra hygiene with dual sterilization. Silver nano technology keeps the tubing and wash water sparkling clean. The nozzles also get in on the sanitization action with a UV light that eliminates microbes.
- The high-quality remote makes operation easy. The clearly labeled buttons and LED indicators make sure you know exactly what you’re selecting. Its stainless steel construction is hygienic and durable. Plus, it uses an ultra-reliable radio frequency signal, which means caregivers can even control the bidet from outside the bathroom.
All these features are protected by a four-year full warranty and top-rated customer service. As an added bonus, the Eco NOVA is eligible for a 180-day risk-free trial. Purchase an Eco NOVA, install it on your toilet, try it out, and if you don’t love it, return it within 180 days of your order date for a full refund (less return shipping). If you need a seat with a high weight limit that gets you clean and dry in comfort, the Eco NOVA is a great option.
Ultra NOVA Bidet Seat
With the most comfortable seat of any bidet we’ve ever tested, the Ultra NOVA is an excellent option for bigger bodies. Like the Eco NOVA, its seat and lid are rated to safely support 400 pounds. But its lid gets an extra touch of luxury with automatic opening and closing. (Just make sure to turn this feature off if you want to sit on the lid.) The Ultra NOVA+ model even offers automatic flushing if you have a top-flush toilet.
The Ultra NOVA comes with some other perks that earn our recommendation – and a spot on our Best Bidets roster:
- It looks great in just about any bathroom. Even though it’s strong and durable, the Ultra NOVA pulls off a super-slim profile. It’s the thinnest bidet available and doesn’t look much different from a regular toilet seat, so it won’t advertise that it’s a bidet.
- The wash starts out comfortable and gets better from there. The default water pressure finds a happy medium, and nozzle oscillation automatically kicks in. If that’s not right for you, it’s simple to customize the pressure (along with water temperature and nozzle position) to your needs.
- It comes with some unique and helpful washes. The Ultra NOVA is one of the few bidets that offer an enema wash. It uses a precise stream of water internally to relieve constipation without any mess or discomfort. And if you have soreness or irritation, the hot/cold massage provides a soothing solution.
- All the details are handled with a focus on quality. It has a modern radio-frequency remote that’s both discreet and easy to use. Plus, the Ultra NOVA protects you – and its internals – with silver nano sterilization.
Since it’s part of the NOVA collection, the Ultra NOVA has the same industry-leading support as the Eco NOVA. It’s also eligible for a 60-day risk-free trial and comes with a three-year full warranty. It has a higher price tag than the Eco NOVA, but if you want the most luxurious experience, you’ll love the Ultra NOVA.
Studio Lux SLi 3000 Bidet Toilet
If it’s in your budget to replace your toilet completely, the Studio Lux SLi 3000 delivers a full suite of bidet features in a sleek one-piece package. The entire unit is rated to hold 400 pounds, and it’s topped with a broad, supportive seat. Unlike many integrated bidet toilets, it has a large opening that makes it comfortable and functional for bigger bodies.
The SLi 3000 makes your life easier and more sustainable – on and off the toilet – with some standout features:
- The wash stream packs a punch. You’ll get efficiently clean with the strong wash pressure. There are five pressure levels to choose from – along with five nozzle positions – so you can get the perfect spray right where you need it.
- It comes with excellent flush options. The eco-friendly dual-flush system has a 1.0 GPF (gallon per flush) selection for liquid waste and a more robust 1.28 GPF flush for solid waste. The SLi 3000 also has automatic flushing capability for hands-free operation from start to finish.
- You won’t have to work as hard to keep it clean. The Pre-Wet functionality mists the toilet bowl with water before use so no residue sticks around. It also has a Micro Shield antibacterial glaze that prevents microbial growth. You can even easily remove the wand if you want to do a deeper clean.
- The powerful deodorizer keeps your bathroom fresh. It automatically removes odors from the bowl without any scents or chemicals. Plus, unlike many built-in deodorizers, it’s so whisper-quiet you won’t even notice when it kicks on.
Bidet toilets are often out of reach due to low weight limits or high price tags, but the SLi 3000 makes this luxury upgrade accessible. It has a three-year warranty for peace of mind and comes with free lifetime support when purchased through Many Bidets. If you want to transform your bathroom into a pampering, inclusive space, the SLi 3000 covers the bases.
How do I use a bidet safely and comfortably?
Once you’ve found the option that’s right for you, all that’s left to do is get ready to enjoy a superior clean. If you’re new to bidets, start with our tips for using a bidet like a pro. Next, let’s dive into some dos and don’ts based on frequently asked questions from our customers.
- DO consider using a toilet stool. In addition to making it easier to go, toilet stools (also called ottomans or footrests) can help you position your body so the wash stream can hit the target.
- DON’T stand or squat on the bidet. While some bidet lids can be sat on, they’re not designed to hold up to standing or squatting. Doing so can cause the bidet to crack or damage the delicate internals.
- DO keep an eye out for any cracks or damage. If you do notice any cracking or damage to your bidet, contact the manufacturer right away. Minor damage can lead to bigger problems over time, and cracks can harbor bacteria or pinch your skin.
- DO use the right kind of riser or safety rail. Risers and safety rails can make it safer and easier to get on and off the toilet, but they don’t all work with bidet seats. If you need a riser, options that sit between the toilet and the floor (like the Toilevator or Toilevator GRANDE) are the safest option. Standalone safety rails or those that attach to the wall should work with most bidets, but styles that attach to the toilet’s bolt holes may compromise stability. If you need to use a riser or safety rail with your bidet seat, reach out to us to make sure you won’t run into any issues.
Find the Right Bidet for Any Body
Features and aesthetics are important, but picking a bidet that’s comfortable and safe for everyone in your household will ensure superior health and hygiene for years to come. If you have special considerations or just want a recommendation that’s tailored to you, we’re here to help. Simply send us an email at [email protected], call or text 248-974-4030 or get in touch via our live chat to explore your options.
Meghan Oliver
Meghan Oliver is a writer and content manager with Many Bidets. Her work has appeared in Nonprofit World magazine and on Psych Central, but she specializes in behind-the-scenes content for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Meghan is passionate about conservation, creatures of all kinds and the Oxford comma. When she's not writing, she's probably at the barn, on a hiking trail, in her native garden bothering the pollinators(,) or curled up with a book and a cat.
Hannah Ramsey
Hannah Ramsey is a former writer at Many Bidets, where she spent seven years crafting and managing website content. With a background in psychotherapy and a lifelong passion for writing, Hannah enjoyed combining these interests to make a meaningful impact. Now retired from the bidet business, Hannah still enjoys sharing her knowledge about bidets with friends and family, proving that once a bidet enthusiast, always a bidet enthusiast!